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meat alternatives

Sundays in the South are made for relaxing and spending time with family. We spend a lot of our Sundays, especially holidays, having dinner with my grandparents on their farm, Stillmeadow Farm. Stillmeadow Farm is a small, hobby farm established in 1981 and tucked down a back road. It’s a haven for all animals from the hunting dogs that lost their way and became family pets to the deer that spend all fall seeking sanctuary from the hunters while roaming the woods.

Heather Smiles for the Camera – Photo Courtesy of Marge Swayne

Every visit to the farm begins by waving at the dairy goats, Claudette, Claude and Heather, as you drive by the red barn and as you turn the corner of the circle driveway, you’re bound to see a cat or two lounging in the sunshine on a wooden bench in the grass. We’ll then make our way to the back porch by walking around the chickens as they wander the yard collecting bugs and the rooster proudly crows announcing our arrival to his humans.

Before we get to speak to the humans of the house, we have to play fetch with Star, a loyal German Shepard, while Sadie, a mischievous Alaskan Malamute, plots to steal your attention since she is not a fan of physical activity except when it involves making snow angels.

Sister, Sister? – Photo Courtesy of Marge Swayne

Once we finally make an appearance in the house, Kiki, the oldest and fearless leader of the house cats, greets us at the door while begging you pet her. Over the years, Sophie, a gray version of Kiki, has gained enough confidence to allow us to pet her as she inquires about dinner from the cook, my grandmother. Sophie and her two other siblings, Lily and Luna, were rescues that were abandoned in my grandparent’s drive way years ago so there’s been a bit of learning curve earning their trust. After pulling Grandpa away from a NASCAR race or the grill on the deck, we sit down, say grace and enjoy a dinner made with love.

Field Roast Smoked Tomato Quarter Loaf

For this particular Sunday, I enjoyed a new vegan meat alternative that I have not tried before along side fresh vegetables from my grandparent’s garden. It was a Field Roast Smoked Tomato Quarter Loaf. The instructions warned against cooking this product in the oven so I prepared it by sauteing thin slices in a little bit of coconut oil on the stove top. After they were done cooking for about 8 minutes total, I laid the slices on a few paper towels to absorb some of the excess oil. Although I don’t rely on these meat alternatives like I did when I went vegetarian, I do enjoy them from time to time or on special occasions.

I thought this product was very flavorful with not as much tomato flavor as I was anticipating. I ate a few bites alone, but enjoyed it much more in a freshly baked roll. I re-purposed the leftovers in a sandwich as well. The texture is very similar to other Field Roast products since they mostly all start with the same main ingredient – vital wheat gluten. Vital wheat gluten is a the powdered form of the gluten (protein) found in wheat. It’s a popular ingredient across the board in a lot of vegetarian or vegan meat alternatives. Unfortunately, if you suffer from gluten sensitivity or allergy, this is an ingredient you need to avoid in your meat alternatives so make sure to check the labels!

Are you worried you’ll never get enough protein for those gains you’re working on?

Are you scared you’ll never have anything to eat?

Is it just too expensive for you?

But I can’t live without cheese!

I’ve been there with you. I’ve had these hesitations and fears too. I’m here to tell you that it’s OK. The biggest advantage you can give yourself is to be open minded. That changed everything for me. I also challenge you try eating a few vegetarian or vegan meals each week. If you do, let me know how you feel – Did you enjoy it? Did you hate it? Did you feel better or worse? What did you try? Over this Friday mini series, I’ll show you that it is possible and worth it to try more plant based meals in your rotation.

Are you scared of tofu & meat alternatives?

I know what you’re thinking. Tofu is what TV sitcom nightmares are made of in disguise as a tofu turkey at Thanksgiving dinner. It can be so good! My favorite use of tofu is baked crispy in an Asian stir fry, a tofu scramble as an egg replacement or silken tofu added to frozen fruit in a smoothie to add a delightful texture and protein boost.

In addition to tofu, there are LOTS of companies that have spent a ton of time and resources creating delicious replicas of your favorite meals as well. Some of my favorite companies for meat alternatives are Gardein, Beyond Meat, Boca, Morningstar and Field Roast. Most of the nutrition is comparable to the meat version or less in terms of calories and packed with protein.Gardein provides lots of options like fish, crab cakes, sweet and sour pork and even pizza pockets! What’s better than cholesterol free pizza?

Beyond Meat is the new standard for beef alternatives and they do not disappoint. Currently they provide a seasoned and original ground beefless product and a variety of chicken alternatives. These delicious sliders pack 23 grams of protein in a single serving! Not too shabby!

Boca and Morningstar make vegetarian and vegan options but the products are labeled clearly to distinguish which diet you follow. My favorite Boca products are their beefless crumbles, chick’n nuggets and they have the BEST spicy chick’n pattie. Morningstar offers more vegetarian products than vegan options. The vegetarian options that we enjoy are the wings – buffalo and parmesan garlic flavors, chipotle black bean crumbles and corn dogs. Our favorite vegan option, hands down, is the hickory BBQ riblets. Most of these products are found in the frozen food section of a lot of grocery stores.

Field Roast provides exact replicas of breakfast sausages, frankfurters and burgers that are worthy of any backyard BBQ. These are usually found in the natural section of the grocery store.